Hive Inspection Guide

Regular hive inspections help you catch problems early, assess colony health, and make management decisions. But opening a hive is disruptive—learn to inspect efficiently and with purpose.

How Often to Inspect

• Spring: Every 7-10 days (swarm season)
• Summer: Every 2-3 weeks
• Fall: Monthly, then prepare for winter
• Winter: Don't open! External checks only

When to Inspect

Ideal Conditions

• Warm (60°F+), sunny day
• Midday (foragers are out)
• Low wind
• Not during nectar flow (bees busy, you get stung)

Avoid

• Cold, cloudy, or rainy days
• Late evening (all bees home)
• When you're rushed or stressed

The Inspection Process

Before Opening

• Light smoker, let it cool to white smoke
• Wear appropriate protective gear
• Have hive tool ready
• Know your purpose (don't just "look around")

Opening the Hive

1. Puff smoke at entrance (2-3 puffs)
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Crack inner cover, puff smoke under
4. Remove inner cover
5. Start with outer frame (usually honey)
6. Work toward center where brood is

What You're Looking For

Queen Status

• Best indicator: Fresh eggs (standing upright)
• Seeing queen: Nice but not necessary
• Larvae present: Queen was here within 9 days

Brood Pattern

• Good: Solid, compact, few empty cells
• Concerning: Shotgun pattern, many empties
• Check: Larvae should be pearly white, C-shaped

Population

• Bees covering most frames = good
• Population should grow spring through summer
• Declining population = investigate

Food Stores

• Outer frames usually have honey
• Pollen rainbow around brood
• Light hive in early spring = may need feeding

Recording Observations

Keep notes! Memory fails. Record:

• Date and conditions
• Queen seen or eggs present
• Frames of brood
• Frames of bees
• Temperament
• Any concerns or actions taken

Common Mistakes

• Opening too often (disrupts bees)
• Not having a purpose
• Spending too long (chills brood)
• Crushing bees carelessly
• Not keeping records